4b/ 4c Naturals Growth Thread

LdyKamz

Well-Known Member
I'm having a new issue since I've started wearing wash and gos more. I am trying to figure out how to get touchable hair. I have used eco styler but that leaves my hair too hard. I tried adding a little bit of oil on top but it left a faint white cast which I wasn't crazy about and I only used very little oil. I tried oil underneath and the white cast was much much worse. So then I started using a curl activator gel which I liked for a minute because my hair isn't crunchy and it's packed with glycerin which keeps my hair pretty moisturized too. The problem is glycerin packed products leave my hair really sticky. Today I was playing in my hair and at first it felt good and smooth but then my hands started to get sticky. It was gross and I had to wash my hands after. Is there anything that helps with curl definition but leaves your hair touchable.
 

Maracujá

November 2020 --> 14 years natural!!!
Striking huh? I'm of the school of thought that says that the techniques you use, trump the hair products you use. But with all the attacks we receive, it makes a sista want to revise her strategy.

But the proof is in the pudding: these photographs were taken 12 years apart. Here's the caveat: my hair used to be 4B (read: less coarse), whereas now it's 4C...or 4Z as some people like to call it. And yet, I am now better able to obtain a silk press, compared to back in the days.

Still using the same flat irons and everything. The products I use now are actually cheaper than the ones I used back then. Because I swear I am becoming my mom in this whole securing the bag thing lol. The only change...is in the technique I now use: I'm far more patient with my hair, especially when straightening it. Back then I used to cut my own hair, as is obvious. Whereas this time around I had a Caribbean hairstylist professionally cut my hair. I also only do this when I'm off work, not when I have to work or anything, so that I'm not rushing.

Moral of the story: I'm able to obtain far better results, in terms of how straight my hair gets, by simply using better techniques. Even though my hair has become much coarser since I've entered my 30s. It was actually a sister at church who pointed it out to me ;).

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Bette Davis Eyes

The "OG" Product Junkie
I'm having a new issue since I've started wearing wash and gos more. I am trying to figure out how to get touchable hair. I have used eco styler but that leaves my hair too hard. I tried adding a little bit of oil on top but it left a faint white cast which I wasn't crazy about and I only used very little oil. I tried oil underneath and the white cast was much much worse. So then I started using a curl activator gel which I liked for a minute because my hair isn't crunchy and it's packed with glycerin which keeps my hair pretty moisturized too. The problem is glycerin packed products leave my hair really sticky. Today I was playing in my hair and at first it felt good and smooth but then my hands started to get sticky. It was gross and I had to wash my hands after. Is there anything that helps with curl definition but leaves your hair touchable.


Try adding a custard type gel styler under the eco styler. Check your dew points ( weather) with glycerin. Like you said it will be soft but sticky because it will take days to finally soak into your strands.
KCCC doesnt leave my hair sticky. Uncle Funkys Daughter Gel, and Xtreme Wet line Gel. @LdyKamz
 

SAPNK

Well-Known Member
Has anyone worn their real hair on vacation (no braids, crochet, wigs) or would consider it? If you did, how was it? If you would/wouldn't, why?
I feel like I dont want to have braids in my head when I'm swimming.
 

snoop

Well-Known Member
Has anyone worn their real hair on vacation (no braids, crochet, wigs) or would consider it? If you did, how was it? If you would/wouldn't, why?
I feel like I dont want to have braids in my head when I'm swimming.

I only wear my own hair on vacation or otherwise. Two strand twists are my go to and maybe a twist out then ponytails towardsthe end, but I don't do swimming vacations.
 

GGsKin

Well-Known Member
Has anyone worn their real hair on vacation (no braids, crochet, wigs) or would consider it? If you did, how was it? If you would/wouldn't, why?
I feel like I dont want to have braids in my head when I'm swimming.

I did earlier this year when I went to the Caribbean. As a wash n go girl, I started off with my hair in twists. The twists soon got fuzzy. I went swimming in the sea and my hair was full of sand and salt. I rocked a wash n go and also styled my hair half up half down, with the the top in two canerows, twistout, pony or bun on the bottom. My holiday hair was easy but to me, never quite looked as good as it does at home. Saying that, all I brought was some gel and Shea butter. I made peace with the fact I was with people who don't spend all day on their hair. Fortunately after the beach abuse, my Auntie had a Keracare Cowash that I used out there but shea butter, kinky curly gel and a silk scarf held me down.
 

oneastrocurlie

Well-Known Member
Has anyone worn their real hair on vacation (no braids, crochet, wigs) or would consider it? If you did, how was it? If you would/wouldn't, why?
I feel like I dont want to have braids in my head when I'm swimming.

Yup. It was fine. I wore my wash and go in Sedona, AZ.
 

SAPNK

Well-Known Member
I just tried a wash and go and wasn't into it. I think it looked good, but the gel left a residue, and it just isn't my thing, I guess. May try without gel, and just let my hair be.
But, I'm still testing easy styles I can do on a vacation where my hair will get wet. I washed out the gel and immediately put my hair into a bun. So much easier than Bunning on dry, stretched hair, but I'm praying for no tangles!
 

icsonia22

Well-Known Member
Has anyone worn their real hair on vacation (no braids, crochet, wigs) or would consider it? If you did, how was it? If you would/wouldn't, why?
I feel like I dont want to have braids in my head when I'm swimming.

I took my sew in out a few days into a cruise. It wasn't so bad because I had a twa. I definitely wouldn't try that now that my hair is longer because it would be tangle city
 

SAPNK

Well-Known Member
I took my sew in out a few days into a cruise. It wasn't so bad because I had a twa. I definitely wouldn't try that now that my hair is longer because it would be tangle city
I'm going to try it! I'm planning a cruise.
 

Maracujá

November 2020 --> 14 years natural!!!
Products I'm currently using:

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Decided to stop being a products junkie a few years back, so now I use up my stash, before purchasing new ones :yep:.

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Was able to score these on Amazon, was so happy, since they are so hard to come by

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Have come to the conclusion that our hair really only needs 4 things: to be moisturized, strengthened, clarified and chelated. Made a natural chelating spray using chlorophyll (since it breaks down heavy metals), ACV, filtered water, cedar wood oil, lemon oil and orange oil.

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Hot oil treatments will be of the essence this Fall and Winter. Also, grapeseed oil is so good for styles that require the usage of heat.

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I have used flaxseed to make gels, but I'm still sleeping on black tea as a hair rinse.

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Made my own protein spray, using the products showcased here + Keratin oil (not pictured here unfortunately). Used it overnight and then washed with a moisturizing shampoo + conditioner the following day.

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This is. the line that is going to become my staple :yep:. They are cheap and 99% natural, this has become so important to me.

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Fragrance oils :love: I use them in my steam iron + showers gels.

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ACVs were €1.32/each, needles to say, I stocked up :lol:

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Almond oil + a few drops of peppermint oil are my hair growth secret ;).
 

LdyKamz

Well-Known Member
My hair hates me! It is getting longer but it has been shedding and acting up recently. I did a protein treatment today and the shedding stopped almost immediately but I blow dried and straightened and my ends are just :nono: I trimmed and it looks a little better but my hair still looks see through to me. It seems every time my hair gets to a certain length it starts to revolt and I have to cut it off and start all over again. I'm trying to hold off this time and I did 2 braids so for now it looks cute. But I know what it really looks like outside of these braids. I need a stylist BAD but I can't trust anyone!
 

icsonia22

Well-Known Member
My hair hates me! It is getting longer but it has been shedding and acting up recently. I did a protein treatment today and the shedding stopped almost immediately but I blow dried and straightened and my ends are just :nono: I trimmed and it looks a little better but my hair still looks see through to me. It seems every time my hair gets to a certain length it starts to revolt and I have to cut it off and start all over again. I'm trying to hold off this time and I did 2 braids so for now it looks cute. But I know what it really looks like outside of these braids. I need a stylist BAD but I can't trust anyone!

Is it shedding from the roots or is your hair breaking a long the strand? How do you preserve your ends?
 
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